Nurse sends Reaves a message in first game back from injury.

Fans of both the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs likely already had the second and final matchup of the regular season between the Leafs and Oilers, scheduled to take place on the 1st of February, circled on their calendars and on Saturday night Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse gave them one more reason to be excited for that upcoming matchup.

In his very first game back from injury after being on the receiving end of a devastating hit from Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves, Nurse appeared to send Reaves a message following a shorthanded goal he scored in the dying seconds of the first period. Immediately after scoring Nurse would celebrate by pointing to his head, seemingly sending a message to Reaves about the hit and showing the hockey world that he was just fine.

Not only did Nurse point at his head repeatedly, but he also was smiling from ear to ear when he wasn't making a silly face to go along with his gesture. You can check out the replay just below:

Nurse's gesture did not go unnoticed either and he was asked about it during an interview with Scott Oake, although Nurse avoided giving any direct answers about the nature of the gesture. When asked directly if he was attempting to send a message, Nurse acted like he had no idea what he was talking about but there was no mistaking the smile that once again appeared on his face.

"Uh I don't know," said Nurse while grinning from ear to ear. "I was just pointing at my head I don't know."

Nurse quickly changed the subject and stated that he was simply happy to return from injury.

"It was just cool to contribute and get back and help us get a win," said Nurse deflecting the question.

As I mentioned there is no doubt a ton of anticipation for the second and final matchup between these two teams, anticipation that I suspect is also being felt in the respective locker rooms of the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs.